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Thailand is probably not the first country you think of when it comes to rum. Despite its lack of recognition in the general world it has the climate necessary to produce great growing conditions. Intricate to Phraya rum is its … Continue reading →

Unfortunately this will be the last Cocktail Overhaul column on Serious Eats. It was a fun ride and I really wish to thank my editor Maggie Hoffman for all the help she extended. So without further adieu: Despite this drink’s … Continue reading →

Matusalem was founded in 1872 in Santiago, Cuba and eventually became one of the most awarded and successful Cuban rum producers. Castro’s revolution forever change the landscape of Cuba and Matusalem was forced to leave. The company settled in another … Continue reading →

Ron Fortuna 8 Year Old is a relatively new rum that comes from Nicaragua and is named after the Roman god of fortune. Currently it is the only expression that is being offered. Ron Fortuna is column-distilled five times from … Continue reading →

I love eggnog! In fact who doesn’t love it. The word eggnog has murky origins. Some say that it comes from the word “noggin” which was a wooden cup used to serve alcohol. Others believe that its a contraction of … Continue reading →

Absinthe continues to be a mystifying spirit, partly because of its scandalous history and the controversy surrounding its supposedly hallucinogenic properties.

Allegedly it was created as a medicinal elixir in the early 1790’s by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire. It gained popularity after it was given to French troops to combat malaria. When they returned they brought it back to cafes, bars, and other establishments and its popularity exploded.

Driven by the prohibition and temperance movement, absinthe was demonized and associated with violent crime, ultimately leading to its ban in 1912 by the US Dept. of Agriculture. After 95 years, the ban was ultimately lifted, and the genuine absinthe was once again reauthorized for sale in the United States. Lucid became the first genuine absinthe made with real Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium).

Lucid was developed in France by absinthe historian and distiller T.A. Breaux. It is distilled in the historic Combier Distellery in Saumur, in France’s Loire Valley.

For the taste test I sampled it as it is traditionally prepared.

The aroma is powerful and enticing, with aromas of anise, indeterminate spices, a hint of mint and other herbs filling the air around the glass.

The taste is more subdued than the aroma would lead you to believe. The flavors of anise and fennel are the first to engulf your mouth. This is followed by notes of various herbs which are impossible to discern as they blend together in one herby and earthy flavor.

Lucid is available in 750 mL for $59.99 and 375 mL for $34.99.

I now offer some additional ways to enjoy absinthe besides the traditional method.

First up is the Asbinthe Frappe which is an easy method used to turn the classic drip method into a refreshing iced drink.Absinthe Frappe1.5 ozs Absinthe (Lucid).5 oz simple syrup1.5 ozs club soda1cup crushed iceBuild first 2 ingredients over crushed ice and top with club soda. Give a quick stir to incorporate.Notes:
This drink slowly changes over time as the ice melts adding more dilution to the drink. It starts off strong and cold before mellowing into a sweet and bubbly drink, perfect for those warm nights.

This drink has similar components to both the Ramos Gin Fizz and the Absinthe FrappèAbsinthe Suissesse1.5 ozs Absinthe (Lucid).5 oz Orgeat Syrup1 egg white or 1 oz of Pasteurized Egg Whites1 dash or about 4-6 drops Orange Flower Water2 ozs Half and Half.5 cup crushed iceShake and strain with crushed ice and pour unstrained into a highball glass.Notes:
The egg white and cream give the drink a frothy milkshake like texture. The orgeat adds a sweet nutty flavor helping to round out the flavor of absinthe.

This upcoming drink is a wonderful introduction into the world of tiki drinks.Test Pilot1.5 ozs Jamaican Rum (Appleton Estate V/X).75 oz Light Puerto Rican Rum (Cruzan)3 tsps of Cointreau1/8 tsp of Absinthe.5 oz Lime Juice.5 oz Falernum1 dash Angostura Bitters1 cup crushed iceBlend all ingredients together for 5 seconds then pour unstrained into a low ball glass. Top with more crushed ice. Garnish with a cherry.Notes:
I decided to use Cruzan rum instead of the light Puerto Rican Rum called for. Like most good tiki drinks, this drink is more than the sum of it’s parts. Nevertheless the bitters and the absinthe are noticeable in the background lending subtle spicy and herbal notes. It is an expertly balanced drink with the sweetness in wonderful harmony with bite of the citrus and ginger.

The last cocktail is a creation by Stew Ellington.Felix Swizzle1 oz Dark Rum Rhum Barbancourt1 oz Jamaican Rum (Appleton Estate).5 oz Falernum.25 oz Absinthe (Lucid)1 tsp Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur1 oz Pineapple Juice1 oz Lime Juice.25 Simple SyrupBuild in an ice filled tiki mug or high ball glass and swizzle. Garnish with a paper umbrella and a strawNotes:
The original recipe does not call for the additional .25 oz of simple syrup but I felt that the drink needed because it was a little to tart for my taste. The absinthe adds a herbal depth with the maraschino adding a touch of it’s characteristic funk.

Notes:
The original drink calls for Santa Teresa 1796 rum. Unfortunately, I did not have any in my liquor cabinet, so I substituted it with Ron Zacapa 23. If you don’t have these particular rums, try and substitute another aged rum. If you don’t have the sherry, substitute with another sherry. The final taste profile of the drink will be different but you should get a glimpse at this drinks greatness.
There is orange on the nose due to the expressed oils floating on the surface of the drink. The richness of the rum and sherry are balanced out by the spiciness of the falernum and the bite of the bitters. The drink is a symphony of flavors that delights the palate and soothes the soul. A wonderful after dinner sipper.